As Maxim Naumov embarks on his Olympic journey at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, he carries with him the profound legacy of his late parents, renowned Russian Olympians Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Tragically, the couple, who were among 67 people lost in a helicopter collision with an American Airlines plane in January 2025, continue to inspire his passion for figure skating.
Naumov, now 24, reflected on his parents’ belief that all experiences lead to the ultimate goal of the Olympics. “Everything is practice until the Olympics,” he expressed in a heartfelt interview with TODAY. Despite his drive, he faced uncertainties about returning to competitive skating after their passing. “I had those moments where I just froze,” he admitted. Yet, he recognized this as a pivotal moment in his life, urging himself not to shy away from the responsibility that lay ahead.
In January, just before the Winter Olympics, Naumov competed in the men’s free skate at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, where he poignantly held up a photo of his parents. “I wanted them to … literally share that moment with me,” he said, emphasizing that their presence was an integral part of his journey. He plans to take the cherished picture with him to Milan Cortina, representing their enduring influence.
Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were not just incredibly supportive parents; they were accomplished athletes in their own right. The couple won a gold medal at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championship and competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics, where they finished fifth in pairs skating, followed by a commendable fourth place at the 1994 Olympics. After retiring from competitive skating in 1998, they served as coaches at the Skating Club of Boston, where they established a youth academy that Maxim eventually took over.
“My parents have a lot of students, and so my immediate reaction was to go on the ice and start working with all of them, and that really helped me,” Naumov explained, highlighting how he honors their legacy by mentoring young skaters.
In March 2025, Maxim experienced an emotional homecoming to the ice while skating in a tribute event called “Legacy on Ice,” dedicated to his parents and other victims of the tragic crash. “Their love—and their care, and attention to detail was evident in each stage of my life. They were always like superheroes to me,” he shared, reiterating his deep connection to their memory.
The devastating helicopter crash occurred as Shishkova and Naumov were aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, which tragically collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The incident claimed the lives of numerous individuals, including young skaters, and sent shockwaves throughout the figure skating community.
Maxim’s journey embodies resilience and commitment as he prepares to compete in the men’s single skating short program on February 10, broadcasting live on NBC and Peacock. By celebrating his parents’ legacy and channeling their spirit into his skating, he not only honors them but also inspires countless others in the skating world who remember their contributions and influence.
The upcoming Olympics serve as a poignant reminder of perseverance, as Naumov represents not just his nation but also the enduring dreams of his beloved parents, making this Olympic debut one of profound significance.